CIPHE backs call for adoption of ‘Master Craftsman’ title

The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering – CIPHE – has backed calls from the Social Market Foundation – SMF – for the title of ‘Master Craftsman’ to be adopted to “raise the status of apprenticeships”.

SMF published an independent report, Making apprenticeships work, sponsored by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, which suggests that “those who complete apprenticeships should be allowed to call themselves ‘Craftsman’ or ‘Craftswoman’” to put their qualifications “on par” with degrees.

More related content:

• CIPHE renews calls on Government to make thermostatic mixing valves compulsory
• CIPHE welcomes new national president
• CIPHE welcomes 70,000th registered plumber

The report also suggests that “those holding the most prestigious apprenticeships might be addressed as ‘Master Craftsman’ or ‘Master Craftswoman’”. SMF said it would help title holders “signal to employers and the public how qualified they are”.

“The CIPHE supports all measures to encourage apprenticeships, especially in the fields of engineering,” said CIPHE CEO Kevin Wellman. “We wholeheartedly agree that quality apprenticeships deliver highly trained and skilled individuals, who must be seen as being on a par with those holding academic qualifications. Indeed, recognising excellence in our chosen vocation is a very practical way of maintaining and raising standards.

“The institute and many people in our industry have long held the title of ‘Master’ in high esteem – as we have seen through the ongoing success of the Master Plumber Certificate scheme, which was introduced in 2001.”

He added: “It stands to reason that the adoption of titles such as ‘Master’ and ‘Craftsman’/ ‘Craftswoman’ will give employers and the public a tangible label that they see the value in and, most vitally, understand.”